182 COMMITTER’S ADDRESS. 
and chimneys—-no regular streets nor alleys; there were but simple 
circular huts with indistinct trackways between them. Of rude’ 
structure, yet of massive strength, it was not hastily raised for 
a temporary purpose, but as a place of residence to last for ages;. 
and these massive remains are now in their ruined state, instruc- 
tive memorials of a people who long ago passed away, and of 
whom we have few records. Peace and security now reign in 
the valley of the Breamish; but in the old Celtic times the hill 
tops bristled with fortresses, and breathed distrust and strife; 
and these arrangements tell of a divided state of society, and of 
separate tribes and clans often at war with each other. 
After Dr. Bruce, Mr. Murray, Mr. Holme and other gentlemen 
had remarked on this paper, the Rev. Henry Parker, of Ilderton; 
brought before the meeting a silver cross, with an inscription 
supposed to be AC CA, or A GLA, in Saxon characters of 
the eighth century. 
- An account of the Mussel and Oyster Beds, which the Duke 
of Northumberland is forming at Alnmouth, for the benefit of 
the fishermen there, was given by Mr. Williamson, who has had 
charge of their construction. 
Mr. Boyd, of Hetton, communicated the discovery of ae 
and insects new to the immediate locality. 
Sixteen members were added to the Tyneside Club. After 
which the meeting broke up, with mutual good wishes for each 
other’s continued prosperity and usefulness. 
In the Proceedings of the Berwickshire Club, vol. IV., p. 219, 
will be found an excellent account of this meeting, by the Presi- 
dent, D. Milne Holme, Esq. 
The Firra Fierp Meerine was held at Staward or Staworth 
Peel, on Tuesday, the 24th September. 
Owing ina great measure to the furious western gale which 
prevailed the day before, and which was accompanied by a deluge of 
rain, fewer members than usual assembled at the hour of depar- 
ture. The weather still looked threatening, the atmosphere was 
heavy and humid, and a slight hoar frost did not add much to the 
prospective comfort of the day, but before the train had gone far 
‘occasional gleams of sunshine stole into the carriage windows, 
